“I think what carries me on is my anger at injustice. I know a lot of people say it’s not good to be angry, but in reality, it’s the anger at the unfairness in this world that just spurs me on. When I think something is really wrong, I’m not going to be quiet. I get up and I fight and I try and change it.”
-MECA co-founder Barbara Lubin
With the most profound sadness, respect and love, the Middle East Children’s Alliance announces the death of our co-founder and longtime Executive Director Barbara Lubin.
Barbara became an activist during the Vietnam War and continued working for justice throughout her life. After years of activism against US intervention in Central America, for the rights of children with disabilities, and on many critical local issues, Barbara learned about the struggle for justice in Palestine and became a fierce champion of Palestinian rights.
Barbara joined one of the first delegations of elected officials and activists to Palestine during the First Intifada in 1988. Outraged by what she witnessed in Palestine, she returned determined to do something. Barbara and her partner Howard Levine launched the Middle East Children’s Alliance on May 1, 1988. Barbara’s energy, commitment, and passion helped MECA deliver millions of dollars in aid and support hundreds of community projects for children in Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon. She smuggled medicine into Iraq during 13 years of brutal US-led sanctions. She organized actions, spoke at rallies, engaged in civil disobedience, and was arrested while standing up for for children. Barbara put solidarity into practice and brought Palestinian voices to people in the US and helped build the movement for freedom and justice for Palestine in the Bay Area and beyond.
Barbara had four children, including her son Charlie who has Down Syndrome, and she fought tirelessly for his access to services, education, and basic rights. She had seven beloved grandchildren.
Barbara’s life was dedicated to the idea that what was good for her kids was good for everyone’s kids. This led her to build community and solidarity beyond national, ethnic, and religious boundaries. She leaves a profoundly important legacy, not only in MECA, but in the lives of everyone who knew her.
All of us at MECA are honored to continue Barbara’s legacy. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Barbara’s family asks that donations in her memory be made to MECA.
If you would like to make a donation to MECA in memory of Barbara, we will notify her family
